JOLIET – Richard Henry Reichenbach passed away on March 22, 2023 at Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet. Interment of ashes will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery on Monday May 8 at 11 a.m.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Velma (Russ), and sister Betty Erickson. He is survived by his sister Joan Van Note, daughter Cheryl, sons Michael (Kristina) and Steven (Barbara), and six grandchildren. He was born on October 5th, 1927, in Chicago, IL, to Henry and Edna (Sues) Reichenbach. Following graduation from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a surgical technician during WWII.

He attended the University of Illinois–Urbana and met wife, Velma, whom he married in 1952. Following graduation, they moved back to the Chicago area, where he taught drafting at Lane Tech high school. Building on his talent for engaging students, he went on to teach industrial arts at Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest. He inspired generations of students over his 35 year teaching tenure.

Richard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and all the lives whom he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Lightways Hospice or The Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center.

Lightways Hospice is a nonprofit, community-based independent hospice in Joliet, Illinois.  Both of our parents found peace through Lightways Hospice.

The Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center (CIADC) is a not-for-profit organization that provides youth and adults hands on learning for metal casting, metal working and forging, CNC fabrication, and wood working.

The Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro provided us with this obituary information.